Solar Module Mounting System

Abstract

Systems and methods for mounting one or more framed solar modules are disclosed. A solar module mounting system can include a plurality of support members configured to support one or more framed solar modules above a mounting surface, such as the ground or the roof of a building. The support members can include rails formed from a rigid material, such as steel. The solar module mounting system can also include a plurality of attachment mechanisms each configured to secure a portion of a framed solar module to a portion of a respective one of the support members.

1 .- 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A mounting system for supporting a framed solar panel module, the mounting system comprising:
 an elongated support member;   a first attachment mechanism extending from the elongated support member proximate a first end thereof, the first attachment mechanism comprising:
 a bracket secured to the elongated support member; 
 a seat rotatably secured to the bracket and configured to support at least a first portion of the framed solar panel module; and 
 a clip at least partially displaceable relative to the seat, the clip being configured to secure the at least a portion of the framed solar panel module to the seat; 
   a second attachment mechanism extending from the elongated support member proximate a second end thereof, the second end being opposite the first end,   wherein the clip, the seat, and the framed solar panel module are rotatable about the bracket.   
     
     
         27 . The mounting system of  claim 26 , wherein the seat comprises a seat surface configured to support the at least a first portion of the framed solar panel module thereon. 
     
     
         28 . The mounting system of  claim 27 , wherein the at least a first portion of the framed solar panel module comprises a flange, and
 wherein the seat surface supports a bottom surface of the flange.   
     
     
         29 . The mounting system of  claim 27 , wherein the at least a first portion of the framed solar panel module comprises a side, and
 wherein the seat surface at least partially supports the side.   
     
     
         30 . The mounting system of  claim 26 , wherein the clip comprises a clip surface configured to contact the at least a first portion of the framed solar panel module. 
     
     
         31 . The mounting system of  claim 30 , wherein the at least a first portion of the framed solar panel module comprises a flange, and
 wherein the clip surface contacts a top surface of the flange.   
     
     
         32 . The mounting system of  claim 26 , wherein the clip is displaceable in the direction of the framed solar panel module. 
     
     
         33 . The mounting system of  claim 26 , wherein the second attachment mechanism is a high side attachment mechanism disposed above the first attachment mechanism. 
     
     
         34 . The mounting system of  claim 26 , wherein the second attachment mechanism comprises a mounting surface configured to receive at least a second portion of the framed solar panel module thereon. 
     
     
         35 . The mounting system of  claim 26  further comprising a ballast rail secured to the elongated support member proximate to the second attachment mechanism. 
     
     
         36 . The mounting system of  claim 35 , wherein the ballast rail extends between the elongated support member and a second elongated support member of a second mounting system. 
     
     
         37 . The mounting system of  claim 35 , wherein the ballast rail defines an opening configured to receive a fastener therethrough to secure the ballast rail to the elongated support member. 
     
     
         38 . The mounting system of  claim 37 , wherein the opening is an elongated opening configured to receive the fastener in a plurality of positions, such that the ballast rail can be secured to the elongated support member in a plurality of locations. 
     
     
         39 . The mounting system of  claim 37 , wherein the elongated support member comprises an aperture configured to receive the fastener therethrough. 
     
     
         40 . A method of mounting a framed solar panel module to a mounting system, the method comprising:
 placing a first flange of the framed solar panel module on a seat, the seat being secured to a bracket;   displacing a clip over the flange to secure the framed solar panel module to the seat;   rotating the framed solar panel module, the seat, and the clip about the bracket into a mounting position.   
     
     
         41 . The method according to  claim 40 , wherein the clip comprises a clip surface configured to contact a top surface of the first flange. 
     
     
         42 . The method according to  claim 40 , wherein the seat is configured to support a bottom surface of the first flange. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the clip is displaceable in the direction of the framed solar panel module. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 40  further comprising the step of:
 placing a second flange of the framed solar panel module on a mounting surface disposed a distance away from the first flange, 
 wherein the mounting surface is disposed above the seat. 
 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the bracket is connected to an elongated support member at a first position, and
 wherein the mounting surface is connected to the elongated support member at a second position.